Seven facts ahead of Köln clash

FC Bayern travel to face FC Köln on Matchday 22. Here are seven interesting facts and stats to show off to your friends.

1. Both teams in top form

Both sides are on a run: FC Bayern are the most successful team over the last seven Bundesliga matchdays, having taken 19 out of a possible 21 points. FC Köln lie second, having collected 15 points from six matches, with their derby against Mönchengladbach cancelled last Sunday.

190921_coutinho_lewy_ima — Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace and Philippe Coutinho scored his maiden Bundesliga goal when Bayern beat FC Köln 4-0 in September. However, the Cologne club are in much better form than in the first half of the season.

2. Recent record makes good reading

Köln have not won any of their last 11 Bundesliga matches against the record German champions, taking only one point. It's their longest winless run against a team in the top flight.

3. Winning streak against promoted sides

The German champions are unbeaten in 19 Bundesliga matches away to promoted sides. The only time they failed to leave the pitch as winners was the 1-1 draw against Nürnberg last season. The last defeat away at a promoted team dates back to August 2010, when Bayern lost 2-0 to Kaiserslautern.

04_fcb-union_191026_ima — FC Bayern have won all three of their matches against promoted sides this term, most recently the 2-1 victory over Union Berlin, with Benjamin Pavard scoring.

4. Poor record against league leaders

Köln's record against league leaders is poor. The Billy Goats have only won one of their last 34 matches against teams top of the Bundesliga table, losing 25 and drawing eight. Their last victory dates back to September 2008, a 1-0 home win against Schalke.

5. Gisdol's drought against Bayern

Köln coach Markus Gisdol has only taken one point from his seven Bundesliga matches against Bayern. He hasn't faced any other team that many times without ever winning.

Hansi Flick, on the other hand, has fond memories of his upcoming opponents. The Bayern coach played for FC Köln from 1990 to 1993.

Reunion with former club

Hansi Flick ahead of special game against FC Köln

6. Köln strong at home

FC Köln have won their last four Bundesliga home matches and are unbeaten at the RheinEnergieStadion since Markus Gisdol took over in November, having taken 13 out of a possible 15 points. Jhon Cordoba, who has scored in six home matches in a row, has played a crucial role in their run. The last Köln player to boast such a scoring run was Klaus Allofs in 1984.

7. Gnabry set for milestone

Serge Gnabry will make his 50th Bundesliga appearance for FC Bayern if he plays on Sunday. The 24-year-old has been involved in an impressive 28 goals in his 49 league matches for the Bavarians, scoring 17 and setting up 11 goals. Chances are that he will add to his tally, as he's scored four goals in his four Bundesliga matches against Köln. He has only been more prolific against Wolfsburg (five goals from six matches).

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